FCC started the first half by pressuring the Charlotte defense with a plethora of chances, the best one being a 34th-minute well-built-up play from FCC’s forwards. It would end up slotted through the legs of Charlotte’s goalkeeper, which ended with a great goal-line recovery from Charlotte defender Nathan Bryne.

The first goal of the night came from a free kick in the last moments of the first half.  Alvaro Barreal sent a beautiful left-footed shot into the top right corner, leaving Kahlina, Charlotte’s goalkeeper,  stranded. At the end of the first half, it stood 1-0, FCC.

Soon after the start of the 2nd half,  FCC would be able to double their lead. After Acosta won the ball back from a Charlotte defender mistake, Luciano found Boupendza in the box who smashed his shot into the net. Luciano would get a goal that will be a heavy contender for the goal of the season. In the 78th minute, Acosta received a pass from Obinna Nwobodo in the midfield. He would immediately nutmeg the defender marking him, push the ball past another, and cross a third defender as he entered the box. The shot was magnificent, as he smashed the ball into the head of the goal over Kahlina. This would bring his total contributions to 14 goals and 11 assists in a season where he is almost certain to win the MLS MVP.

The final whistle sounded and FC Cincinnati picked up three more points at home. The win pushes FC Cincinnati one step closer to the Supporters Shield trophy as they sit nine points ahead of second place. If FCC can get a win in their four remaining games, they will all but secure the first trophy for FCC since joining the MLS.

In FC Cincinnati’s next game, they will head to Canada to play Toronto FC at BMO Field. The game will be at 7:30 pm Eastern time and can be watched on Apple TV.